Stockholm - Women in developing countries risk severe
setbacks, and efforts to promote gender equality are at risk as the
global financial crisis spreads, a Swedish government agency said
Friday.
Employment opportunities in export-driven industries and
agriculture were falling as 'demand and purchasing power drops in the
West and later in developing countries,' said Anders Nordstrom, head
of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
In an op-ed article in the Stockholm daily Dagens Nyheter,
Nordstrom cited findings by Stockholm University researchers in a
report timed to coincide with International Women's Day on Sunday.
The export-driven industries included sectors like textiles, shoes
and electronic goods. 'These goods are to a large extent made in
developing countries where women account for a large portion of the
workforce,' Nordstrom said, saying layoffs would push up unemployment
among women.
Similarly, lower demand for cut flowers, vegetables or fruit could
impact opportunities for women in the export-driven agricultural
sector.
Other areas where women in developing countries face setbacks
included more difficulties in getting loans, more unpaid work as
states cut back on health services, fewer girls enrolled in school,
and an increase in prostitution and trafficking.
The researchers also warned that domestic violence and abuse could
increase as male household members at times resort to beatings when
frustrated over unemployment or failing to make ends meet.
Nordstrom said SIDA would continue to push for gender equality in
its aid programmes and wanted to 'invite the civic society and privte
sector in partner countries and Sweden to enhance women's economic
empowerment.'
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